The most common way is to earn a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from an accredited school. Becoming a Physical Therapy requires years of education and training in kinesiology, anatomy, biology, and physical fitness. After completing a doctorate, you must pass the Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA) and the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE). So do aspiring therapists; there are many ways to become a physical therapist.
You can also become a physical therapist by earning a doctorate in physical therapy. After completing a bachelor’s degree, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become licensed.
Should I Become a Physical Therapist?
There are many things to consider when deciding whether or not to become a physical therapist. One of the most critical questions you must ask yourself is whether you have the passion for helping people recover from injuries and improve their overall quality of life. If you do, becoming a physical therapist may be the perfect career for you.
Physical therapists help patients regain movement and reduce pain following an injury or illness. They do this by developing treatment plans that include exercises and stretches tailored specifically for each patient. Physical therapists also educate patients on how to prevent future injuries.
If you are interested in becoming a physical therapist, you should first research the necessary qualifications and requirements. Most states require physical therapists to have a doctoral degree in physical therapy. You will also need to complete an accredited residency program and pass a licensing exam. Becoming a physical therapist can be both challenging and rewarding.
Career Requirements
| Degree Level | Doctorate |
|---|---|
| Salary | $84,020 (2015 median for physical therapists) |
| Key Skills | Communication, interpersonal, and medical diagnostic skills; attention to detail; compassion; dexterity and physical stamina |
| Degree Field | Physical therapy |
| Experience | Residency available after DPT program |
| Licensure/Certification | States require licensure; the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) offers voluntary certification |
The physical therapy field is growing and is expected to grow even more in the next few years. To work as a physical therapist, you need a doctorate in physical therapy. You can find many great physical therapist jobs with just a bachelor’s degree, but you’ll need that doctorate to open your clinic or work in a more specialized field.
Physical therapists help people injured or have medical conditions improve their mobility and manage their pain. They provide exercises and treatments that help patients recover from injuries, surgeries or illnesses.
Many patients see a physical therapist before they have surgery to help them prepare for the healing process and after surgery to help them regain movement. Some physical therapists also work with athletes to help them stay in shape and prevent injuries. Others specialize in working with elderly patients or those who have disabilities.
How to Be a Physical Therapist
1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree Program
It is essential to complete an accredited bachelor’s degree program in physical therapy if you want to become a physical therapist. Many schools offer this type of program, and it is essential to do your research to find the best one for you.
The courses you will take during your undergraduate years will give you the foundation you need to begin your career as a physical therapist. In addition, many schools offer clinical experience opportunities so that you can gain real-world experience before entering the workforce. Therefore, completing a bachelor’s degree program in physical therapy is a great way to start your career in this field and prepare yourself for success.
2. Enroll in a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
If you’re interested in becoming a physical therapist, now is a great time. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs are growing in popularity, and there are many excellent schools to choose from across the country. So how do you become a physical therapist?
The first step is to earn an undergraduate degree. Most DPT programs require that students have a degree in an appropriate field, such as biology or kinesiology. After completing an undergraduate program, you’ll need to complete a graduate-level DPT program. This usually requires three years of full-time study.
During your DPT program, you’ll learn about the human body and how to treat injuries and conditions that affect movement. You’ll also learn how to provide rehabilitation services to patients.
3. Participate in a Residency
Participating in a residency is an excellent way to become a physical therapist. A residence is a residency training program where physical therapists are educated and trained in an advanced clinical setting.
Many different healthcare organizations offer this type of program, and it is typically one to two years in length. To be eligible for a residency program, you must have graduated from an accredited physical therapy program.
4. Obtain a Licensure
Obtaining licensure is the key to becoming a physical therapist. The first step is to complete an accredited physical therapy program. After graduation, you must pass the Physical Therapist Licensure Exam. There are also state-specific requirements that must be met to obtain licensure. Once you have your license, you can begin practicing as a physical therapist.
5. Earn Certification
If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career, consider becoming a physical therapist. PTs, help people injured or ill regain movement and improve their quality of life. The first step to becoming a PT is earning your certification. Here are the steps to take:
- Accumulate the required hours of experience. You need to have completed at least 3,000 hours of physical therapy work experience before you can sit for the certification exam. This can be done in many ways, such as working as a physical therapist assistant, aide, or technician.
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). This is the national licensing exam that all PTs must pass to practise legally in the United States. It consists of 225 questions on evaluation and treatment, patient management, and professional responsibility.
